How To Begin A New Novel

I just read a post on Nathan Brandsford's blog about the fact that he's beginning a brand new project. He's spent the last 5 years working on his JACOB WONDERBAR books and a how-to book for writers. So he knew the voice for those. But now he's writing something new and he's shitting his pants.

I've recently begun a brand new project and I have NO idea where it's going or what's going to happen. So I can relate to his performance anxiety.

So below please find my admittedly somewhat impulsive response posted on his blog beneath the 62 previous comments where no one except commenter 63 will ever see it.

How To Begin A New Novel

Just start.

Anyplace, anywhere.

Just start.

Stop whining, stop being a little bitch, stop psyching yourself out, stop writing blog posts about how to begin.

None of that matters.

It's all distraction and procrastination.

Like the late Elmore Leonard once said, "There is no secret. You sit down and you start and that's it."

Yeah, I know it's scary and yes I mindf**k myself in exactly the same ways I just lambasted. I think most writers do. Writing can be scary. Writing can be difficult. It's like flying a fighter jet or having 6% bodyfat. It's not easy. It's not supposed to be easy. If it were easy, everyone would be doing or have attained it.

That which we achieve too easily we esteem too lightly.

So, again, stop blogging and go write.

Trust in yourself and in the magical process that is creation.

You'll figure it out.

Just write for yourself first.

The first draft is for figuring out what the story is about. You can deal with all the bullshit and the marketing after that.

For now, simply have fun!!!



I'll say it again, so you leave feeling uplifted and inspired and ready to make that blank page your entertainment bitch: